Gary Sinise Joins Faith-Based Documentary About Steve McQueen

'Steve McQueen: American Icon' follows the actor's path to Christianity.

Gary Sinise will narrate a documentary about late actor Steve McQueen's journey to Christianity, the filmmakers said Thursday.

The movie, Steve McQueen: American Icon, hails from American Icon Films, a joint venture between Erwin Brothers Entertainment and pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship, one of the largest churches in the U.S.

Jon and Andrew Erwin are directing along with Ben Smallbone. The Erwin brothers are best known for faith-friendly films like Woodlawn, October Baby and Moms' Night Out.

Beyond Sinise, the Oscar-nominated actor from Forrest Gump, the movie also features commentary from Mel Gibson and McQueen's widow, model Barbara Minty McQueen.

Nicknamed "The King of Cool," McQueen was a pro motorcycle racer in New York and got a big break acting alongside Paul Newman in Somebody Up There Likes Me after moving to California. His first leading role was in the 1958 horror film The Blob, which has become a cult classic after decades of TV airings.

McQueen's storied life includes a friendship with actress Sharon Tate, and after she was murdered by followers of Charles Manson in 1969, he began carrying a gun, as his name was on Manson's hit list.

McQueen was known as a prolific substance abuser in the 1970s and died in 1980 of mesothelioma at age 50, but not before becoming an Evangelical Christian, according to his widow, and that's what the documentary ultimately focuses on.

"McQueen was the highest-paid actor of his era," said Laurie. "He was the epitome of 'cool' yet few people know that late in his life, the star of now-legendary films such as Bullitt, The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape began a spiritual journey that led to Christian faith."

Steve McQueen: American Icon is set to play at theaters nationwide but for one night only, on Sept. 28, through Fathom Events, a distribution company known for broadcasting live concerts and other events onto theater screens.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly indentified pallbearers at McQueen's funeral.